Do you know an agriculture safety champion?

Susan Main, Speaking of Safety; 7 April 2016

If you know someone who is a leader in agriculture safety practices in BC, consider nominating them (or yourself) as a Champion of Agriculture Safety.

You can do this by sharing a safety tip on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook using the hashtag #AgSafetyChamp.
This social media campaign runs until January 2017 and focuses on workplace safety in the agriculture sector. It highlights the efforts of those who are making safety a priority on large or small farms, ranches, vineyards or retail garden centres.

“It doesn’t have to be something huge,” says Wendy Bennett, executive director of AgSafe. “It can be ‘This person is an #AgSafetyChamp because they remember to put their seat belt on every time they operate their tractor.’ It can be super super simple. It doesn’t have to be rocket science.”

AgSafe in partnership with the BC Agriculture Council recently launched the #AgSafetyChamp campaign at the Annual Agri-Food Industry Gala on January 27, 2016. The campaign was also a highlight of this year’s Agriculture Safety Week in Canada, March 13 to 19.

All nominations made via social media will be entered into the monthly draw for a $50 gas card. Nominations can also be made by visiting the #AgSafetyChamp page on the AgSafe website. The final winner will be announced at the 2017 Agri-Foods Industry Gala.

Wendy says farmers have a lot of information to share with one another.

“It’s about farmers helping other farmers with safety tips. It’s not us saying ‘Thou shalt do this,’” Wendy says, adding that many tips involve kids on the farm.

“Family safety is a huge factor right now because there’s been way too many incidents with farming kids. If we can protect them and teach them how to stay safe around the farm, by other parents providing the suggestions and recommendations, then we’re protecting all the kids, and ultimately making the operators far more aware of what they’re doing in protecting their own safety at the same time.”

Good luck to all taking part, and thanks for adding your ideas. They’re all important.